Date of Award

Summer 6-28-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

As solid waste generation continues to rise, many communities consider recycling essential to their solid waste management. However, there is a lack of resources for recycling program administrators to determine how to increase recycling participation, capture quality recyclables and increase recycling tonnages. This paper includes a literature review that explores existing research about recycling awareness, motivational messaging, information about what can be recycled, and recycling reminders. It also provides an overview, analysis and findings of an experimental study in Hammonton, New Jersey, conducted by The Recycling Partnership that examined the real-world impact of a pilot program with motivational messaging, recycling information, and reminders. In this quantative analysis, the average recycling route tons were calculated and compared before and after the interventions. Through this analysis, an impact on average recycling route tons was not detected, and as deployed, the interventions did not result in an increase in average recycling route tons. The findings from this research can help recycling program administrators consider how to deploy programs best to increase recycling participation and capture. Further research is needed to determine the best strategies, frameworks and interventions to change resident recycling behaviors to increase recycling tons collected.

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